Cement raw mix control apparatus and programming

ABSTRACT

A system including computer apparatus and programming automatically controls the proportioning of raw materials fed to a kiln-producing cement clinker, the automatic control depending upon the analytical values of the various oxides of the raw materials, the result being a raw mix composition of optimum uniformity.

United States Patent inventor John R. Romig Rialto, Calif.

Appl. No. 18,517

Filed Mar. 11, 1970 Patented Aug. 31, 1971 Assignee. California PortlandCompany Los Angeles, Calif.

CEMENT RAW MIX CONTROL APPARATUS AND PROGRAMMING 20 Claims, 3 DrawingFigs.

US. Cl .Q.

Int. Cl

Field of Search.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,883,173 4/1959 Laboulais263/32 3,437,325 4/1969 Putnametal'. 263/32 3,483,363 12/1969 Ross263/32 Primary Examiner-John .l. Camby Atlorneyv-white & HaefligerABSTRACT: A system including computer apparatus and programmingautomatically controls the proportioning of raw materials fed to akiln-producing cement clinker, the automatic control depending upon theanalytical values of the various oxides of the raw materials, the resultbeing a raw mix composition of optimum uniformity.

SETT/A/GS PATENTED AUB31 |97| SHEET 2 [IF 3 564N417 DES/(ED 7/ME fFeawm/ /c,s),, {63/00 o, Au 1 lee-400v fum v 3 COMPOTE Cc @540 //v X-RAYVALUES M's), AMA, x I

l (OM/307E (45),, (AA), (4/7,, (A I 504 v5 4/4 TR/X A Fae (4 Sb). (As/1(A o) 50L vs "MATE/X 6 FOR (ASH), (Asi) SQLVE FOR (AR) TEST: ANYNEGATIVE YES 7557'. (SH); NEGATIVE [$01. v5 FOR (e), (5H),, 7.. (0);]

501. v5 WATk/X o Fae (05H) 50.4 vs FOR (R): (5H); (30;. W

TEST: ANY NEG. I

YES

CH'CK, MILL ON LINE, EIN LEVEL COMPUTE SETTING F01? (R) (Sf/) ($194,

FRI/V7 our ALARM. hem/r our (1?); (SHJE! 9 OUTPUT PATENTED was] 197:3502.488

SHEET 3 [IF 3 sq Qww 6mm ruajlleL "H A. XH eww w UHM CEMENT RAW MIXCONTROL APPARATUS AND PROGRAMMING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates generally to the proportioning of raw materials fed toa kiln, and more specifically concerns the control of suchproportioning, depending upon the analytical values of the oxides of theraw materials, to result in a raw mix composition of optimum uniformityrequired for the kiln production of Portland Cement clinker.

The raw mix composition fed to a kiln as referred to will typicallycontain mixed lime rock, high lime rock, high magnesia rock, low alkalishale, higher alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore.'The mixed limerock typically controls the CaO content in the mix; however, if itcontains too much MgO, more high lime rock is added to bring the MgOcontent down to desired level, or, if the mixed lime rock contains toolittle MgO, more high magnesia rock is added to raise the MgO content ofthe mix to desired level. The low alkali shale and higher alkali shalenot only control A1 content of the mix, but also control relative alkalicontent as between Na O and K 0.

In practice, it is found that the oxide contents of the raw materialsdescribed will vary from batch to batch loaded into the supply bins fromwhich the feed is derived; accordingly, unless the proportioning of thefeeds from the different bins is adjusted to compensate for suchvariations which can be quite small, a clinker of nonuniform compositionwill result, with its associated well-known disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a major object of the invention toprovide apparatus and associated computer programming for overcoming theabove problems and disadvantages, and to result in automaticallycontrolled proportioning of the feeds of the varying compositioningredients of the raw mix to result in a mix of uniform composition.

Basically, the invention is embodied in blend control apparatus for acement clinkering Kiln feed, comprising a. first means to supply rawmaterials including lime rock,

magnesia rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed,

b. second means to determine the relative amounts S A,,, F, and C of SiOA1 0 Fe O and CaO, respectively, which are actually in the feed,

c) third means to determine the relative amounts 5,, A,., F, and C,, ofSiO A1 0 Fe O and CaO, respectively, desired in the feed,

d. fourth means to derive difference values (AS),,, (AA),,, (AF),, and(AC),, corresponding to S,S,, A,A,, F,F and C C respectively, and alsoto derive (AI-IL and (AHM)., values, respectively, representing runningchanges in the lime and magnesium content of the feed, and

e. fifth means responsive to said difference values for controlling saidsupply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed.

As will be seen, the referred to third means may include computercircuitry responsive to preselected relative amounts of oxides ofcalcium, silicon, aluminum and magnesium (as for example 3CaO-Si0, and3CaO-Al O on an ignited basis, and A1 0,, and MgO on an unignited basis)to derive the relative amounts of SiO,, A1 0 Fe,0- and CaO desired inthe feed. Also, the referred to second means may include instrumentationto direct X-rays atfeed samples, and to scan the latter for detectingsecondary radiation emitted therefrom, as for example is described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,075,079 to Tabikh.

The referred to fifth means may typically include a computer operable tocompute updated values (R),., (Sh) (Si), and (0),,, respectively, foruse in proportioning the supply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rockand iron ore, where these values represent the sums of previouslycalculated values, plus A values, the latter being predeterminedfunctions of (AC),,, (AS),,, (AA),,, (AF),,, (AHM) and (AHL),,, as willbe described. Also, such fifth means typically includes means to testfor the existence of a negative value for any of (R),., (Sh (Si), and(0),, and in the event of such a negative value to test for theexistence of a negative updated value of (Sh),,. In the absence of thelatter, the values of (R),., (Sh),., (Si) and (O), are recomputed inaccordance with predetermined Matrix B functions of (AC),,, (AS),,,(AA), (AF) (AI-IM), and (AI-ILL Additional matrix routines are providedfor further testing in the event of detected negative values for any ofrecomputed (R),., (Sh) (Si),. and (0),, as will be described. Thepurpose of such routines is to take into account the possibility thatone of the required oxides is already present in a sufficient amount inthe raw materials. Provision for printout or other communication to theoperator of the calculated or recalculated values enables him toexercise supervisory control, based on such knowledge of the contents ofthe raw mix.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as thedetails of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understoodfrom the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a raw mix proportioningsystem incorporating a digital computer;

FIG. 2 is a program outline for computer control of the raw mix blend;and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of specific apparatus constructed to performfunctions appearing in the FIG. 2 program outline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In a cement rotary kiln a homogeneous mix of cementmaking raw materials, called raw mix, is introduced at one end, andheat, coming from a flame by burning coal, oil or gas, is applied at theother end. Due to the rotation of the kiln, the raw mix migratesdownwards towards the source of the heat (the flame), and during thisdownward motion it absorbs the heat. The raw mix will first give up itsmoisture content, and then it will take on endothermic heat and by doingso it will give up CO and in its last phase of processing it will turnexothermic, giving up heat. In this last phase of the process the manycomplex cement compounds are formed leading to the formation of Portlandcement clinker.

The clinker, leaving the rotary kiln, is discharged into a coolingdevice, today normally a traveling grate cooler, for the recuperation ofheat to be returned to the rotary kiln, and for final cooling so theclinker can be handled for storage purposes.

The burning process and the different zones of heat transfer in a rotarycement kiln are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,091,442 (J. R. Romig, etal. The recuperation of heat from the cooling device (traveling gratecooler), and its effect on the burning process are described in U.S.Pat. No. 3,091,443

(J. H. Herz, et al.).

A typical, not optimum, raw kiln feed (raw mix) composition, clinkercomposition, is given below:

Referring to FIG. 1, feed silos or bins for the seven major rawmaterials used in the raw mix are indicated at 11-17.

From these bins the materials are individually delivered at 18-24 andcombined at 25, individual volumetric or weight controls being operableat 26-32 for controlling the proportions, by weight, of the materialsflowing to the mixing point 25. The controls are adjusted atpredetermined intervals, say between one-half hour and 2 hours (andpreferably each hour) in response to control settings provided by themeans 33, in turn controlled by proportioning calculations performed atintervals by the digital computer 34 Means 33 may, for example, comprisedigital to analog converter and amplifier apparatus having seven outputchannels indicated at 35 controlling the seven devices 26-32.

The material at is passed in succession through the ball mill 36,homogenizer 37 and the kiln feed at 38, from which the material ispassed at 39 to the cement clinker producing kiln 40. Provision is madeat 41 for passing a continuous sample of the finish ground material 42to online X-ray analyzer 43, as for example General Electric XEGequipment. The analyzer output at 44 consists of a percentage analysisof the sample oxides designated as follows (and which varies dependingupon composition variations in different batches of raw materials):

X-ray output (1) Symbol CaO C, so, 5, mp, A, Fe O: F,

Accordingly, means is provided to determine the relative amounts of theabove oxides in the mix, and to periodically enter such values in thecomputer (say, once every 1-10 minutes, to be averaged for use in theproportioning calculation).

the delta differences between the desired oxides and actual oxides,defined as follows:

t cncw, (A5 )d a a- (Amalia-Ar (Andrea These values are shown in FIG. 3as computed by means 34b (which may be part of computer 34), and this isalso indicated by step 6 in FIG. 2. Values for (C 5 (C S) (C A), andQAF); may also be calculated by the computer for print out (to be usedby the technician as indicators) indicated by step 33 in FIG. 2, theequations for same being as follows:

Before describing the further calculations to determine the values(R),,, (Sh) (Si) and (0),, the functions of the raw materials to controlthe oxides should be observed, as summarized in the followingtabulations:

Symbol Raw Material Means is also provided to determine the relativeamounts Material C 5,, A, and F, of CaO, SiO A1 0 and I e- 0respectively,

. R Raw material No. 1. Mixed llme rock which are desired in the feed tothe kiln. Such means may for HL Raw material 2 High me rock exampleinclude, as shown in H0. 3, set point devices 45-48 HM Raw material No.3; High magnesia rock (as for example manually controlled analog inputs-voltages, sh Raw material LOW alkali Shale etc.) for selecting valuesof the following items familiar to the Raw material No Higher alkaliShale Cement chemist: 45 Si Raw material No. 6: Silica rock 0 Rawmaterial No. 7: Iron ore ltern Symbol 3CaQSio2 (ignited) CJS RawMaterial Oxide controlled 3CaO-Al,0, (ignited) CIA Al oflraw basis) A,NO 1 Cao Mgo (raw basis) M" No: 2 or No. 3 MgO No. 4 and No. 5 A120,,and alkalis No.6 sio These inputs are fed to the computer 34a (which maybe a part of computer 34), along with manually selected set point valuesfor (HM), and (HL),,, and the computer responds to derive the desiredvalues C 5,, A, and F For example, C F and 8,. may be calculated asfollows, in a typical program (indicated by step number 3 in FIG. 2)

Proportioning calculations, to determine values of (R),., (Sh) (Sc), and(0),, for use in establishing the control settings at 33 are performedby the computer 34 at predetermined intervals, as described. Suchcalculations are based on Raw material No. 2 or No. 3 provides the meansfor final control of MgO content, and therefore both materials are,typically, not used at the same time. Thus, if raw material No. 1contains too much MgO, raw material No. 2 is added to bring the MgOcontent down to the desired MgO level; or, if the MgO content in rawmaterial No. 1 is too low, raw material No. 3 is added to raise the MgOlevel to the desired hold point. Due to the relatively low atomic numberof MgO, resulting in a long count-time duration in the X-ray analyzer43, the data (l-IL and HM for MgO is entered into the computer programless frequently, i.e., not automatically from the X-ray apparatus onlineor offline, but by manual input over a manual input console designatedat 50 in H0. 3, for example.

Raw materials No. 4 and 5 provide the final alkali control, as well asthe A1 0 control. Both shales contain similar amounts of the oxide A1 0but contain very different amounts of the alkalis N 0 and K 0. To assurethat a desired holding point of alkalis is met, these two raw materialsare used at the same time, and designated as Sh, but in a predeterminedratio to each other (as established by the volumetric or weight controlsat 29 and 30).

It should also be pointed out that set point inputs ((2 8),, (C A),,, M,and A to the computer will vary in accordance with the chosen cementcomposition to be produced. Percentage composition, by weight, of thesequantities will vary within the following ranges:

Symbol Amount (by weight) (C3 ass-15% (c,A s x-15';

where (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0), represent the previously calculatedvalues of (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0),, and wherein, functionally,

AR=AR[(ASh), (ASi), (A0), (AI-IM),,, (Al-IL),]

In a specific case, the above quantities are defined as follows:

(ASi)=A0.000306V,,-H).Ol2824W,,-O.64980X,,+0.00l37 -0.000014Z,,

(AHM) AHM), currently entered (IIM last used (Al-IL) =(AHL),, currentlyentered (HL), last used In FIG. 2, the step 8 is performed by thecomputer means 34c of FIG. 3, and the step 9 is performed by thecomputer means 34d of FIG. 3. Step 10 of FIG. 2 corresponds to theoperation of computer means 34c of FIG. 3.

The values (R),, (Shh, (Si), and (O), are next tested by computer means34f (step I l of FIG. 2) for the existence of any negative, in theabsence of which the values are printed out at 53 and settings (R),(I-IL),, (HM (Sh) (Si),, and (O), for the controls 26-32 are derived at33 in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the event of a negative value detected at 34f inFIG. 3, the computer 34g next tests for a negative value of (Sh),, andin the presence of same an alarm 54 is effected, as further indicated bystep 32 in FIG. 2 with accompanying print out of all indicated values.In the absence ofa negative value for (Sh),,

values for (R),, (Sh), and (Si), are recomputed by the Matrix or RoutineB computer means 34h, after first recomputing values for (ASh), (ASi)and (AR), all in accordance with the following equations:

(O),= zero (ASh)=AI0.009689V,,0.002985W,,0.IO6473X,,+0.005663Z,,

In the above, the Fe O is in sufficient quantities in the mix lime rockpresent, so that (O), is set to zero, and no control over iron ore isexercised.

Thereafter, computer means 341' tests for a negative value for any ofrecomputed (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (O), and in the absence of same, thesame steps 27-3O in FIG. 2 are performed, and the control settings areenabled at 33. However, if a negative value for any of recomputed (R),,(Sh), or (R), is detected, the Matrix C computer 34] is enabled to againrecompute values for these terms, (Si), being set to zero, all inaccordance with the following equations:

)E=( )S+( where:

(ASh)=10.00987 IV,+0.017829W,=10.005368Y, w qsaea In the above, (Si), isset to zero aid no contro l is exercised over silica in the mix.

Thereafter, computer means 34k tests for a negative value for any ofagain recomputed R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (O), and in the absence of same,the steps 27-30 in FIG. 2 are performed and the control settings areenabled at 33. However, if a negative value for any of the againrecomputed values is detected,

the matrix D computer 341 is enabled to once again recompute values forthese terms, (Si), and (0), both being set to zero, all in accordancewith the following equations:

)e=( )8+( (Si),=(Si),-(Si),= zero )e )s )s Zero (R)P=( where:

(ASh)=A10.00930OV 0.0 I 7035W,,0.005749Z,, )r( )H )O-HAI-IUOI )d )d+()d] V,,=V,,+2.70(Si),,+7.80(0) W =W,,+9l.00(Si) ,+l680(O), Z =(AD),47.80(AI-lM),,cI44.65(AHL),,+6.30(Si),+75.40

In the above the silica and iron ore in the mix are not c ntrolled, assufficient quantities are present in the mix lime rock, so that bothvalues (0), and (Si), are set to zero.

Computer means 34m in FIG. 3 tests for a negative value for any ofmatrix D computed (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0),, and in the absence ofsame the steps 27-30in FIG. 2 are performed. If a negative value isdetected, an alarm is printed out at 58 (see step 32 in FIG. 2).

In the above matrix B, C and D routines, the recomputed values for (R),,(Sh (Si), and (O), are utilized to determine the control settings at 33,as also indicated in FIG 3.

are typically computed and/or read in at regular intervals as forexample at intervals between one-half hour and 2 hours, and preferablyabout hourly. Also. the values in the step block number 4 representaverage values determined during the next preceding interval as defined,as for example during the next preceding hour. The values appearing inblock 33, for printout, represent those values appearing in blocks l-6.

Referring again to the difference values (A) (AA),,, (AF),, and (AC),,,it will be appreciated that the values for (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0),computed by the computer means are such as to lead to the adjustment offlow control gates as at 26 and 2732 so as to reduce said differencevalues. Also, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the computed values (R),, (Sh),,, (Si),and (O), may be analog values (for controlling gates 26 and 29-31)representing tons per hour flow, proportional to (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and0),; and, the computed values (HL), and (HM), may be analog values (forcontrolling gates as at 27 and 28) representing tons per hour flow, andproportional to the manual settings (HM and (HL),

I claim:

1. Raw mix blend control apparatus for a cement clinkering kiln feed,comprising a. first means to supply raw materials including lime rock,magnesia rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed, 1

b. second means to determine the relative amounts 8,, A F. and C, of Si0A1 0 Fe 0 and C210, respectively, desired in the feed,

d. fourth means to derive difference values (AS),,, (AA),,, (AF),, and(AC),, corresponding to S,S,, A,A l'-,F and C,C,, respectively, and alsoto derive (AHL), and (AHM values respectively representing runningchanges in the lime and magnesium content of the feed, and

e. fifth means responsive to said difference values for controlling saidsupply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a computerresponsive to selected relative amounts of oxides of calcium, silicon,aluminum, and magnesium to derive said 8,, A F, and C, values.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a computerresponsive to selected values (C S),,, (C;,A),,, M and and A to derivesaid 5,, A F and C, values, where:

(C 8 ),,aqx3 CaO-SiO (ignited basis (C A a8x3 Ca0'A1 O (ignited basis)A,,=Al 0 (unignited basis) M,,=Mg0 (unignited basis) 4. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said fifth means include flow controllers tocontrol the flow of said raw materials.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said first means includesseparate bins for said respective materials, the flow controllersindividually controlling the flow of materials from the separate bins.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second means includesinstrumentation to direct X-rays at samples of the feed, and to scan thesamples for detecting secondary radiation emitted therefrom.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second means alsoincludes a mill for grinding said feed, the samples being obtained fromthe mill output.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said fifth means includescomputer means to compute updated values (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0),,respectively, for use in proportioning the supply of lime rock, alkalishale, silica rock and iron ore, said updated values being defined asfollows:

where (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0), represent the next previouslycalculated values of(R),, (Sh),, (Si), and 0),, and wherein(ASh)=(ASh)[( ).1. M. M. L. (i.\HL),,]b

(ASi)=(A ),I. M M (AHMJO (AHL) 01 (AO)=(AO)[(AC)1I\ hl )[(A$h). (A -)0](AHM), currently entered (HM);- last used (HM (AHL), currently entered(HL),, last used (HL), 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein: AShQO10368V,,W,,+X,,+O.007216Y,,+)\' Z,,

( 5. (AA)... (Arid. (AHM)...

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein:

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said fifth means includesmeans to test for the existence of a negative updated value ofanyof(R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (0),.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 including means to test for theexistence of a negative updated value of (Sh),, and in that event, toprovide an alarm signal.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 including means operable in theevent of such a negative value to test for the existence of a negativeupdated value of (Sh and, in the absence thereof, to recompute valuesfor (R),, (Sh), and (Si), ((0), being set to zero) in accordance withthe definitions thereof in claim 8 and wherein, specifically,

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 including means to test for theexistence of a negative value for any of recomputed (R),, (Sh),, (Si),and (0),,and in the absence thereof, to enable said control of thesupply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore withrelative proportioning corresponding to said recomputed values,

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16 including means operable inresponse to the existence of a negative value for any of recomputed(R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (O), to again recompute values therefore inaccordance with the definitions thereof in claim 8 and wherein,specifically,

( )FH M- MH M 18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17 including means totest for the existence of a negative value for any of again recomputed(R),, (Sh (Si), and 0),, and in the absence thereof, to

enable said control of the supply of lime rock, alkali shale, silicarock and iron ore with relative proportioning corresponding to saidagain recomputed values.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18 including means operable inresponse to the existence of a negative value for any of the againrecomputed (R),, (Sh),, (Si), and (O), to once again recompute valuestherefor in accordance with the definitions thereof in claim 8 andwherein, specifically,

(ASh FA10.009300V,,0.017035W.,0.005749Z UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICECERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. ,488 Dated August 31, 1971 InvenwflJohn R. Romiq It is certified that error appears in the above-identifiedpatent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the title page'of the patent, the name of the assignee should read,--California Portland Cement Compan Column 4, lines 4-9 (A CL C 4 4. c 4(A.A)( AU -AY FJI 2+;

should read d c x (1n A -A UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OFCORRECTION Patent 3.602L488 uqust 31 1971 Inventor(s) John R. Romig Itis certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

3011mm 5, lines Mil-TL :xoald Pom A Sh Ash Lwm (LSJ (AA) (A M (.4 HM)(),(AI-m A si A 1 Loa (m (010 (AP) (A HM)O, Man

A o 0 1c) (4s) (/J'A) (am (AHA/0 (mm l AR AR E h), 81), 0), HA 0 HLQ Ina specific case, the above quantities are defined as follows:

(48h) 0. 010368 v 0. 003007 w 0.112038X 0007mm;0.00s40saz (481) 0.00O306V -r0.012824W 0.6498OX +0. 00137- 0. 0000142 (00) 0.000011v;0.000029w -0.007471x 0.0l7291Y 0.00l108Z (AR) [(ASMH SiH-(AO)+(AHM)O+(A H104 where-z (am +(l +(A 1 Va (AC) 44.20(HM) 53.35 (A513 w(flS) 8. 00 l-1M) 2. 00 (A Elm X (4A) -1.s0 (Amm 0.44 (41-10 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE Page 3 CERTIFIQATE 0F (IORRECTION Patent No.3,602,4 3 Dated August 31, 1971 Inventor(s) John R. Romig It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Y (in -1.3m HM) -0.20 (Lam A I 1 Z (/1 D 4...?0 (AHMJO 44. 01 (L.

(AHNQ (HMJ currently entered'- (HM) last used (AHL) (HL) currentlyentered (HL) last used In Fig. 2, the step 8 is performed by thecomputer means 34;; of Pig. 3, and the step 9 is performed by thecomputer means 34g of Pig. 3. Step 10 of Fig. 2 corresponds to theoperation 0: computer means 345; of Fig. 3.

The values (R) (Shl (Si) and (O) are next tested by computer means 34;(step 11 of Fig. 2) for the existence of any negative,

in the absence of which the values are printed out at 53 and settings(R) (HLl (HM) (Sh) (Si) and (O) for the controls 26- 32 are derived at33 in Figs. 1 and 3. In the event of a negative value detected at 34 fin Pig. 3, the computer 34g next tests for a negative value of (Sid andin the presence of same an alarm 54 is effected, as further indicated bystep 32 in Pig. 2 with accompanying print out of all indicated values.

In the absence of a negative value for.(Sh)

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE h CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent NO- 3 6024 Dated August 31, 197].

Invent John R. Romiq It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Columns 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 should read:

-- values for (R) (Sh) and (Si) are re-computed by the Matrix or RoutineB computer means 341 after first re-computing values for (A Sh), (A811)and (A R), all in accordance with the following equations:

( M W (Ash) (Si) (SU (A Si) (O) zero (m P Patent No UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE Page 5 Dated August 31, 1971 Inventor(s) John R. Romig It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

where:

-'O. 0O968SV -O. O02985W O. lO6473X 0. 0056632 0. OOOZ LQV -I-O. lZ823W-0. 0645l2X G. OOOSSZ -d 1'- (A D) .6. 0O MHM) 44. 21(11 HL) 71. 00 (O)In the above, the Pe O is in sufficient quantities in the mix lime rockpresent, so that (O) is set to zero, and no control over iron ore isexercised Thereafter, computer means 34 i tests for a negative value forany of recomputed.(R) (Sh) (Si) and (O) and in the absence of same, thesame steps 27 30 in Fig. 2 are performed, and the control settings areenabled at 33. However, if a negative value for any of re- UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE 5 CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,602,488Datedlugust 31, 1971 Inventor(s) John R. Romig It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified paten and that said Letters Patentare hereby corrected as shown below:

computed (R) (Sh) or (R) is detected, the Matrix C computer 341 isenabled to again recompute values for these terms, (Si) being set tozero,

all in accordance with the following equations:

(Sh) (Sh) (A Sh) (m (R); (A R) where:

(a Sh) 0. 00987lV 0. 017829W 0. OOSBBEY O. 006465ZC 40) 0. 00088lV -0.oo1227w +o. 0l7l8OY 0. 0011072 (AR) 11 Sh)-(Si) (4 mm: HM)O+ (A HMO;

C Lw ch; (A S) +(AF) :l

v v +2.7o (s1) WC W 91. 0o sn Y0 Y' 'tl. 00 (Si) 2 (Am -46.50 (Alam -444s ML); 3. so (s1) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page CERTIIFICATE 0FCORREQTION Patent No. 3,602,488 D Auggs; 31,, 19

Invent0r(5) John R. Romig It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

In the above, (Si) is set to zero and no control is exercised oversilica in the mix.

Thereafter, computer means 345 tests for a negative value for any ofagain re-computed (R) (Sh) (Si) and (O) and in the absence of same, thesteps 27 30 in Pig. 2 are performed and the control settings are enabledat 33. However, if a negative value for any of the again recomputedvalues is detected, the Matrix D computer 34} is enabled to once againre-compute values for these terms, (Si) and (O) both being set to zero,all in accordance with the follov-zing equations:

(Sh) (Sh) -i-(ASh) (O) -(O) zero (m (R AR) where:

(Ash) 0.0093OOV +0.01703SW -0.0657492 R [msm-(sn -(owwam ism (AD) L(AC)+(AS) ;l J v V +2.7O(Si) -1-7.80(O) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 8CERTIFICATE or coastetiou atent No. 3,602,488 Dated 1 \u ust 31, 1971Inventor(s) John R. Romig It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

W 9l. 00 (Si);- 1680(0) (ZlD) -47.8O (ZZHIVU -44. 65 (AEL +5. 30(Si)75.40(C

In the above the silica and iron ore inthe mix are not controlled, assufficient quantities are present in the mix lime rock, so that bothvalues (O) and (Si) are set to zero.

Computer means 343 in Pig. 3 tests for a negative vaiue for any ofMatrix D computed (R) (Sh) (Si) and (0) and in the absence of same thesteps 27-30 in Fig. 2 are performed. If a negative value is detected, analarm is printed out at 58 (see step 32 in Fig. 2).

In the above Matrix B, C and D routines, the recomputed values for (R)Sh) (Si) and (O) are utilized to determine the con trol settings at 33,as also indicated in Pig. 3.

In Pig. 2, the values indicated in the step blocks 1, 3 and 6 aretypically computed and/or read in at regular intervals as for example atintervals between one-half hour and two hours, and preferably abouthourly. Also, the values in the step block number 4 represent averagevalues determined during the next preceding interval as defined, as forUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE g CERTIFICATE OF CGRRECTION Patent No. ,488Dated August 31, 1971 Inventor(s) John R. Romig It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

example during the next preceding hour. The values appearing in stepblock 33, for print out, represent those values appearing in blocks 1-6.

Referring again to the difference values AS) (A U (AF) and (AC) it willbe appreciated that the values for (R) (Sh) (Si) and (O) computecl bythe computer means are such as to lead to the adjustment of flow controlgates as at 26 and 27-32 so as to reduce said difference values. Also,in Figs. 1 and 2, the computed values (R) (Sh) (Si) and (O) may beanalog values (for controlling gates 26 and 29-31) representing tons perhour flow, proportional to (R) (Sh) (Si) and (O) and, the computedvalues (HL) and (HM) may be analog values (for controlling gates as at27 and 28) representing tons per hour flow, and proportional to themanual settings (HP/D and (HL) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 10CERTIFICATE OF CORREC'HGN me 3,602,488 Dated August 31, 1971 inv nt flJohn R. Romig It is certified that error appears in the above-identifiedpatent ind that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

I CLAIM:

1. Raw mix blend control apparatus for a cement clinkering kiln feed,comprising a) first means to supply raw materials including lime rock,

magnesia rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed,

I b) second means to determine the relative amounts S A F and C 0!. S10A1 0 Fe O ano CaO, respectively, wnich are actually in the feed,

c) third means to determine the relative amounts S A P (3 of SiO A1 0 PeO and CaO, respectively, desired in the feed,

(:1) fourth means to derive difference values (4S) (AA) 1: (Ad and (A C)corresponding to S S A A r P ano C C respectively, and also to derive(AHU and (AHIVD values respectively representing running changes in thelime and magnesium content of the feed, and

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Page 11 CERTIHQATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,602,488 DatedJugust 31, 1971 InV t John R. Romiq It is certified thaterror appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

e) fifth means responsive to said diiference values for controlling saidsupply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a computerresponsive to selected relative amounts of oxides of calcium,

silicon, aluminum, and magnesium to derive said S A P and C values.'

3, The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said third means includes a computerresponsive to selected values (6 8) (C A) M and A to derive said S A Pand C values, where:

(0 :0 3 CaO S10 (ignited basis) (6 A) 3 CaO A1 0 (ignited basis) A A1 0(unignited basis)

1. Raw mix blend control apparatus for a cement clinkering kiln feed,comprising a. first means to supply raw materials including lime rock,magnesia rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore to the feed, b.second means to determine the relative amounts Sx, Ax, Fx and Cx ofSiO2, A12O3, Fe2O3 and CaO, respectively, desired in the feed, d. fourthmeans to derive difference values ( Delta S)d, ( Delta A)d, ( Delta F)dand ( Delta C)d corresponding to Sc-Sx, Ac-Ax, Fc-Fx and Cc-Cx,respectively, and also to derive ( Delta HL)o and ( Delta HM)o valuesrespectively representing running changes in the lime and magnesiumcontent of the feed, and e. fifth means responsive to said difFerencevalues for controlling said supply of lime rock, alkali shale, silicarock and iron ore to the feed.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidthird means includes a computer responsive to selected relative amountsof oxides of calcium, silicon, aluminum, and magnesium to derive saidSc, Ac, Fc and Cc values.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said thirdmeans includes a computer responsive to selected values (C3S)o, (C3A)o,Mo and and A0 to derive said Sc, Ac, Fc and Cc values, where: (C3S)o 3CaO.SiO2 (ignited basis (C3A)o 3 CaO.A12O3 (ignited basis) Ao A12O3(unignited basis) Mo MgO (unignited basis)
 4. Apparatus as defined inclaim 1 wherein said fifth means include flow controllers to control theflow of said raw materials.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 whereinsaid first means includes separate bins for said respective materials,the flow controllers individually controlling the flow of materials fromthe separate bins.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsecond means includes instrumentation to direct X-rays at samples of thefeed, and to scan the samples for detecting secondary radiation emittedtherefrom.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said second meansalso includes a mill for grinding said feed, the samples being obtainedfrom the mill output.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidfifth means includes computer means to compute updated values (R)e,(Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e, respectively, for use in proportioning the supplyof lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore, said updatedvalues being defined as follows: (R)e (R)s+( Delta R) (Sh)e (Sh)s (Delta Sh) (Si)e (Si)s+( Delta Si) (O)e (O)s+( Delta O) where (R)s,(Sh)s, (Si)s and (O)s represent the next previously calculated values of(R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and O)e, and wherein ( Delta Sh) ( Delta Sh)(( DeltaC)d, ( Delta S)d, ( Delta A)d, ( Delta F)d, ( Delta HM)o, ( Delta HL)o)( Delta Si) ( Delta Si)(( Delta C)d, ( Delta S)d, ( Delta A)d, ( DeltaF)d, ( Delta HM)o, ( Delta HL) o) ( Delta O) ( Delta O)(( Delta C)d, (Delta S)d, ( Delta A)d, ( Delta F)d, ( Delta HM)o, ( Delta HL)o) ( DeltaR) ( Delta R)( ( Delta Sh), ( Delta Si), ( Delta O), ( Delta HM)o, (Delta HL)o) ( Delta HM)o currently entered (HM)o- last used (HM)o (Delta HL)o currently entered (HL)o- last used (HL)o
 9. Apparatus asdefined in claim 8 wherein: Delta Sh Congruent0.010368Va-0.003007Wa+0.223038Xa-0.007216Ya+0.006489Za where: Va ( DeltaC)d-44.20( Delta HM)o-53.35( Delta HL)o Wa ( Delta S)d-8.00( DeltaHM)o-2.00( Delta HL)o Xa ( Delta A)d-1.20( Delta HM)o-0.44( Delta HL)oYa ( Delta F)d-1.30( Delta HM)o-0.20( Delta HL)o Za ( Delta D)a-44.70(Delta HM)o-44.0l( Delta HL)o and, ( Delta D)a -(( Delta C)d+( DeltaS)d+( Delta A)d+( Delta F)d)
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein( Delta Si) 0.000306Va+0.012824Wa-0.64980Xa=l +0.00137.0.000014Za. 11.Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein: ( Delta O)0.000911Va+0.000029Wa-0.007471Xa+0.017291Ya-0.001108Za
 12. Apparatus asdefined in claim 11 wherein: ( Delta R) -(( Delta Sh)+( Delta Si)+(Delta O)+( Delta HM)o+( Delta HL)o).
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 8wherein said fifth means includes means to test for the existence of anegative updated value of any of (R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e. 14.Apparatus as defined in claim 8 including means to test for theexistence of a negative updated value of (Sh)e, and in that event, toprovide an alarm signal.
 15. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 includingmeans operable in the event of such a negative value to test for theexistence of a negative updated value of (Sh)e and, in the absencethereof, to recompute values for (R)e, (Sh)e and (Si)e ((O)e being setto zero) in accordance with the definitions thereof in claim 8 andwherein, specifically, Delta Sh-0.009689Vb-0.002985Wb+0.106473Xb+0.005663Zb Delta Si0.000249Vb+0.12823Wb-0.064512Xb+0.00055Zb Delta R -(( Delta Sh)+( DeltaSi)-(O)s+( Delta HM)o+( Delta HL)o) ( Delta D)b -(( Delta C)d+( DeltaS)d+( Delta A)d) Vb Va+7.80(O)s Wb Wa+16.80(O)s Xb Xa+4.40(O)s Zb (Delta D)b-46.00( Delta HM)o-44.21( Delta HL)o+71.00(O)s
 16. Apparatus asdefined in claim 15 including means to test for the existence of anegative value for any of recomputed (R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e, and inthe absence thereof, to enable said control of the supply of lime rock,alkali shale, silica rock and iron ore with relative proportioningcorresponding to said recomputed values.
 17. Apparatus as defined inclaim 16 including means operable in response to the existence of anegative value for any of recomputed (R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e toagain recompute values therefore in accordance with the definitionsthereof in claim 8 and wherein, specifically, ( Delta Sh)-0.009871Vc+0.017829Wc-0.005368Yc+0.006465Zc ( Delta O)0.000881Vc-0.001227Wc-0.017180Yc-0.001107Zc ( Delta R -(( DeltaSh)-(Si)s+( Delta O)+( Delta HM)o+( Delta HL)o) ( Delta D)c -(( DeltaC)d+( Delta S)d+( Delta F)o) Vc Va+2.70(Si)s Wc Wa+91.00(Si)s YcYa+1.00(Si)s zc ( Delta D)c-46.50( Delta HM)o-44.45( DeltaHL)o+5.30(Si)s
 18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17 including means totest for the existence of a negative value for any of again recomputed(R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and O)e, and in the absence thereof, to enable saidcontrol of the supply of lime rock, alkali shale, silica rock and ironore with relative proportioning corresponding to said again recomputedvalues.
 19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18 including means operable inresponse to the existence of a negative value for any of the againrecomputed (R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e to once again recompute valuestherefor in accordance with the definitions thereof in claim 8 andwherein, specifically, ( Delta Sh) -0.009300Vd+0.017035Wd+0.005749Zd (Delta R) -)( Delta Sh)-(Si)s-(O)+( Delta HM)o+( Delta HL)o) ( Delta D)d-(( Delta C)d+( Delta S)d) Vd Va+2.70(Si)s+7.80(O)s WdWa+91.00(Si)s+1680(O)s Zd ( Delta D)d-47.80( Delta HM)o-44.65( DeltaHL)o+6.30(Si)s+75.40(O)s
 20. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 includingmeans to record the updated values of (R)e, (Sh)e, (Si)e and (O)e.